Louise McEvoy shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Louise, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’ve spent many years chasing summits, in the mountains, in my career, and in the constant pull toward whatever challenge lies just over the next horizon. I’ve been fortunate to find some of those paths early: I built a career in cybersecurity that keeps me both grounded and learning, and I’ve found meaning in testing myself through mountaineering and mountain biking.
But the truth is, I’m still wandering. I’ve figured out how to navigate complex routes over 20,000 feet or lead teams through chaotic digital landscapes; yet I’m still learning how to be fully present when I’m not “climbing” something. I travel constantly, whether for work or the next adventure, and sometimes that restlessness makes it hard to slow down enough to really connect; to be there for friends and family the way I want to be.
I think part of maturity, for me, is realizing that not every summit has to be conquered. Some paths are meant to be walked slowly. I’m learning that presence can be its own kind of adventure… one that’s just as demanding, and just as worth the effort, as any mountain I’ve ever stood on.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been drawn to big climbs for two decades; literally and figuratively.
By day, I’m a Senior Vice President at a cybersecurity company, helping organizations navigate some of their toughest digital challenges. But outside the boardroom, I’m a mountaineer, adventure seeker, and motivational speaker focused on helping people “Reach their Everest” — whatever that personal summit looks like for them.
The mountains have been my greatest teachers. They’ve taught me resilience, humility, and the power of being uncomfortable. Over the years, I started co-leading teams of women on high-altitude hikes, “14ers”, mountains over 14,000 feet, to help them experience that same transformation. Watching someone realize what they’re capable of when they push past fear and self-doubt is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been part of.
A couple of years ago, I co-founded The Climbing Executive with my sister; a venture that brings all these passions together. What started as a platform for motivational speaking is evolving into something much bigger: a way to help people reach their own summits, both personally and professionally. I also co-founded SheSummits14ers with a good friend of mine, the venture that helps women summit a 14er. Both of these ventures are to support the lessons we learn on the mountain, courage, persistence, trust, are the same ones that help us rise in every other part of life.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think the part of me that’s served its purpose — and that I’m finally learning to release — is the need to be defined by what others think of me. My mom once told me that one of the gifts of getting older is realizing that other people’s opinions no longer have to guide your path. She was absolutely right.
For a long time, I measured success by how well I met expectations; at work, in the mountains, even in friendships. But there’s real freedom in letting that go. As long as I’m leading from the heart and staying true to my values, I don’t need everyone’s approval. It’s incredibly liberating to just show up as yourself… imperfect, passionate, and genuine… and trust that that’s enough. 🙂
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: your voice matters and don’t be afraid to use it!
I used to be terrified to speak; to introduce myself to strangers, to share an opinion in a meeting, to take up space. The idea of standing on a main stage in front of hundreds of people would have felt unimaginable. And yet here I am, not only doing it, but loving it!
What I’ve learned is that courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s finding purpose on the other side of it. Today, as a motivational speaker and co-leading women with their goals, I find joy in sharing my stories and lessons from the mountains and from life. I never would have guessed that the thing I once feared most — speaking up — would become the thing that brings me the greatest sense of connection and fulfillment.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One belief I’m deeply committed to — no matter how long it takes — is protecting animals and helping shift the way we see them.
In my “spare” time, I’ve become an advocate for animal rights, and I’ve made a personal commitment to do at least one thing every day in support of that cause.
My goal is to help dismantle the industries and practices that exploit or abuse animals; from research labs, zoos to aquariums, rodeos, and the tourist trade. We simply don’t need to use animals for our entertainment, fashion, or convenience.
Animals are sentient beings who experience life and emotion just as we do; they treasure their life, their families, their freedom. My hope is that more people will come to see them that way too. Change takes persistence and empathy, but I’m in it for the long haul.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If immortality were real, what would you build?
This sounds corny, but If immortality were real, I’d build a sanctuary for animals and people; a place where we could live together in harmony, peace, and love.
Every day, we’d go for a hike, connecting with each other and the world around us. A place where respect, joy, and adventure are part of daily life, for everyone, human and animal alike.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theclimbingexecutive.com
- Instagram: theclimbingerecutive; luluoneverest; she summits.14ers
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/llmcevoy
Image Credits
Laura Bravo Mertz
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